Saint Louis Dentist Explains What You Need to Know About Mini Dental Implants

Written by Dr. Grayem on Jan 2, 2024

If you’ve lost teeth due to damage or decay, you may have already started researching options for replacing the missing teeth. There are several options for tooth replacement, but one of the most popular is currently dental implants. There are different types of dental implants available, and one popular option is the mini dental implant (MDI).

How Dental Implants Work

A typical dental implant contains a small titanium screw that is implanted directly into the jawbone and will eventually integrate with the bone securely, functioning as a substitute for the missing root portion of your lost tooth.  The process of creating an implant with a titanium fixture takes several months as the jawbone requires time to heal and bond with the titanium creating a stable base for the new tooth.

Why Choose Mini Dental Implants?

As the name implies, mini dental implants are essentially smaller dental implants – generally no wider than a toothpick – and therefore are less invasive and much easier to place into the jaw bone. They are used to replace small teeth and incisors and to anchor dentures. Because mini dental implants are thinner and less traumatic to the bone when they are implanted, our Saint Louis mini dental implant dentists can often have their implant roots and restorations placed on the same day. Patients leave our office able to eat, speak, and smile normally.

Mini dental implants are an appropriate option for use with older dentures that have become loose over time, creating problems for the wearer when eating and even speaking. In this case, one or more MDIs are implanted in the jaw and attached to the existing denture, creating a more stable anchor for the denture and greatly lessening discomfort for the patient.

Please Call for Your Consultation

Our Saint Louis mini dental implant dentists will discuss your specific needs during a consultation and make a recommendation as to which implant option is most appropriate for you. Simply contact our team to get started!